2 Quick and Easy Methods for Cleaning Window Tracks

Now that spring has sprung, you’re probably ready to have those windows and sliding glass doors open to blow away the residual feelings of a stuffy winter. But once you start airing out your home, there’s a good chance you’ll notice how grimy your window tracks have gotten while the house was shut up. As you know, that just won’t do during spring cleaning season.

Take a look at the following two tips for cleaning window tracks so you can welcome the cool breezes into your home.

How to Clean Window Tracks With Vinegar and Baking Soda

The secret about baking soda and vinegar being amazing natural cleaning products has been out for a while now. Therefore, you might not be too surprised to learn that these household items can effectively clean your dingy window tracks.

Pour about a cup of vinegar into your spray bottle, and make sure the nozzle is set to mist.

Remove as much loose debris as possible with the vacuum.

Sprinkle a little bit of baking soda along your window tracks. A dusting will do. If you go wild, the baking soda will fizz violently when it reacts with the vinegar, and you’ll have a new mess to clean up.

Spritz the baking soda with vinegar to dampen the track. It should lightly fizz.

Use the old toothbrush to loosen dirt in the tracks.

Wipe the solution away with a microfiber cloth.

Repeat steps 3 through 6 until the track is clean, making sure to switch your cloth out for a new one when it’s dirty.

Cleaning Window Tracks With a Clothes Steamer

There are many outside-the-box uses for a garment steamer, which can come in handy in every room including the kitchen. Using a garment steamer is also an easy way to clean window tracks.

While this method is simple, there are a few things you want to be mindful of when employing it. For starters, you should always conduct a spot test. Also, don’t use this cleaning method when windows are still cold, as the extreme temperature difference between the steam and the glass could lead to cracking. You should avoid steam cleaning window panes or tracks that are made of finished wood, as well as surfaces that have been polished, waxed or freshly painted. This isn’t going to be your go-to method if you live in a historical home with original wooden frames.

You’ll need:

A garment steamer

A vacuum with a crevice tool

Microfiber cloths

Distilled water

Follow the steamer’s instructions for adding and heating the water.

While the garment steamer is heating, use the vacuum and crevice tool to remove as much debris as possible.

When the steamer is ready, use it to break up the stuck-on grime that’s in your window tracks.

After steaming, wipe away the loosened debris with a microfiber cloth.

Repeat steps 3 and 4 until the tracks are clean, replacing your microfiber cloth when it starts to get soiled.

And if you find life has you so busy you barely have time to wash your hair — much less your window tracks — contact your local Merry Maids. We’re here to provide the housekeeping backup you need to make your life easier!